Moving Cross Country
 

Hey all,

I'm moving to the Duluth area and am wondering what to expect from the community as
far as cyclists go. Usually ride too fast to (safely) use most bike paths around here (Denver area), so I prefer streets where safe. I use common sense and have never had an altercation in 35 years. Did notice bike lanes along some of the main routes while in Duluth a few weeks ago. A good sign? How far do I need to ride to find some long steep hills? A long ride to me is 70+ miles - do not drive to ride if at all possible.
Suggestions for Georgia state and city and bike maps on line I could check out ?

Input is appreciated.

sun

Welcome to GA.

Be prepared to deal with rude motorists who are always in too much of a hurry. :notamused:
There are many hills around the Atlanta area. If you don't want to ride in the traffic head out to Stone Mountain. Its a destination for hundreds of cyclists on the weekend and dozens of after work riders go there.
Many of the bike lanes really don't go anywhere. Some end at a shopping center or at the next intersection. Some of the "longer" bike lanes are used by local cyclists for training rides.
There are two good shops (IMHO) in the Duluth area -- CycleWorks and The Bicycle Wheel. I believe both shops host weekend and after work rides for riders of all abilities. If you ride with the faster groups they'll hit plenty of hills for you. :)

Ron,

Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, rude drivers are everywhere.
Sounds like Stone Mountain is the ticket. Am about 8 miles from my job and
hope I can find a way to commute. It was 20 each way here and kept
me in good shape.

And thanks for anticipating that I would need the name of a good
shop or 2. Going to be out there in about 10 days for a final look-see
before the move.

Temp was 84 here yesterday, now it's 29 after a high of 64 this morning,
bottoming out at 35 before dark. Glad I managed to get a ride in yesterday.

You can check me out at www.cv-denverspoke.com

Thanks again!

sun
dark

Commuting can be done. You just have to plan your route.
I live in Decatur and commuted to Norcross from 2001 to 2003. It was 14+ miles one way. I tried several routes before settling on the best one (traffic, few hills, etc).
After you get moved post here if you want/need help with your route or if you need any other info.

Another website that you may want to check out is the Southern Bicycle League (www.bikesbl.org). They have a great ride calendar. You have to be a registered member to check the calendar. Its no big deal to register. They just like to keep track of how many people are on their site.

Bicycle Georgia also has a very good ride calendar. http://www.bicyclegeorgia.com/gac.html

If you like racing Sadelbred has a race/ride info. http://www.sadlebred.com/